Ron Earp
Admin
Drove Hershal\'s RF40 - Hot damn!
Well,
Last week I had the distinct pleasure to visit with Hershal Byrd and Gordon Levy's shop out in Phoenix AZ. First time I'd seen Hershal's car and it is beautiful!
Hershal has painted the RF40 a nice dark silver color with black stripes. The workmanship is quite nice with good attention to detail throughout the car. And, as an aside, it will be appearing in a forthcoming issue of KitCar magazine.
We had a short drive around and it was excellent!!! The car is quiet inside (especially compared to a 427SO Gordon had running around) and produces sounds levels to where you and easily talk without yelling. Until you get on it, then it is a sound only a 40 with a V8 can make.
Gordon's shop built thre 306 motor that powers the car and it is strong. In my opinion, it is a little soft below 3000 RPM, but the Audi tranny makes sure you aren't below 3000 RPM for long, that is for sure. Above 34-3600 RPM the motor pulls like a demon and just won't quit! Hershal had to kick me out from driving after awhile as I wouldn't drive it hard enough, but hey, it ain't my car! Makes me wonder about my engine choice though, I think the 342 I have is going to be too torquey on the bottom and not enough up top. We shall see soon as it is on the dyno in Feb. If it doesn't work out I'll be calling Gordon for one of his motors, I think he has some good ones.
Anyhow, Hershals car is very comfortable, a pleasure to drive, and damn fast. I didn't get a chance to check out handling, but I can definitely say the car feels wonderful on the road, attracts a lot of attention, and is flat out awesome!
Hershal I appreciate you putting me up and allowing me to meet your family. Come out to see us anytime, the beach house is good too. John and Mikeys, great to meet you as well and hope to see you at the Spring Fling!
Best,
Ron
[ February 06, 2003: Message edited by: Ron Earp ]
[ February 07, 2003: Message edited by: Ron Earp ]
Well,
Last week I had the distinct pleasure to visit with Hershal Byrd and Gordon Levy's shop out in Phoenix AZ. First time I'd seen Hershal's car and it is beautiful!
Hershal has painted the RF40 a nice dark silver color with black stripes. The workmanship is quite nice with good attention to detail throughout the car. And, as an aside, it will be appearing in a forthcoming issue of KitCar magazine.
We had a short drive around and it was excellent!!! The car is quiet inside (especially compared to a 427SO Gordon had running around) and produces sounds levels to where you and easily talk without yelling. Until you get on it, then it is a sound only a 40 with a V8 can make.
Gordon's shop built thre 306 motor that powers the car and it is strong. In my opinion, it is a little soft below 3000 RPM, but the Audi tranny makes sure you aren't below 3000 RPM for long, that is for sure. Above 34-3600 RPM the motor pulls like a demon and just won't quit! Hershal had to kick me out from driving after awhile as I wouldn't drive it hard enough, but hey, it ain't my car! Makes me wonder about my engine choice though, I think the 342 I have is going to be too torquey on the bottom and not enough up top. We shall see soon as it is on the dyno in Feb. If it doesn't work out I'll be calling Gordon for one of his motors, I think he has some good ones.
Anyhow, Hershals car is very comfortable, a pleasure to drive, and damn fast. I didn't get a chance to check out handling, but I can definitely say the car feels wonderful on the road, attracts a lot of attention, and is flat out awesome!
Hershal I appreciate you putting me up and allowing me to meet your family. Come out to see us anytime, the beach house is good too. John and Mikeys, great to meet you as well and hope to see you at the Spring Fling!
Best,
Ron
[ February 06, 2003: Message edited by: Ron Earp ]
[ February 07, 2003: Message edited by: Ron Earp ]
